I have low vision. Does it mean I will go blind?

While some eye diseases can cause total loss of sight--most, such as macular degeneration, generally do not. Even those diseases that can cause blindness can usually be controlled with proper management. Most people with low vision have a great deal of useable sight. Some may be considered legally blind, meaning they have less than 20/200 vision or their field of vision is restricted to a 20-degree diameter, but even then they often have a lot of available vision that can be used with proper instruction and vision enhancement. With training, you can learn to adapt to the changes in your vision.

Will I be totally dependent on others?

Not at all. With the help of vision rehabilitation, you can learn to adapt to the vision changes that your eye condition causes (such as loss of central vision) and continue to see and live a very full, active, and independent life.

Will I always have low vision?

Some causes of low vision such as cataracts are very treatable and good vision can be restored. When caught early, other conditions, like wet macular degeneration and glaucoma, can be stopped or slowed--although damage already done is not reversible. A lot of research is underway on both the prevention and treatment of eye diseases. Even nutritional strategies may be able to slow the development of some conditions. Consult the Web sites of support organizations and resources to stay abreast of current developments.

Will treatment for my low vision be covered by insurance?

Fortunately, many aspects of vision rehabilitation are now covered by Medicare as well as some private insurance companies. With that said, many of the adaptive devices you might require to increase your personal freedom are not covered by most insurers and must be paid for personally. Consult with your Vision Rehabilitation Specialist to determine what kind of low vision devices and systems would be best for you. Some may be available at little or no cost through vision support organizations.

How does a low vision exam differ from a regular eye exam?

A regular eye exam concentrates on diagnosing eye disease. A low vision exam focuses on designing specialized glasses and low vision devices to enhance remaining vision. A low vision exam, sometimes called a functional vision assessment, evaluates vision functioning and the effect it has on daily living activities, such as reading the newspaper or cooking. After an interview helps to determine the person's visual goals, a low vision specialist performs a detailed visual analysis. Distance vision is evaluated using telescopic aids. High-powered microscopic spectacle lenses, telemicroscopic aids, and hand or stand magnifiers may be used to evaluate near vision skills like reading. Special eye charts are used and lighting levels are evaluated. This analysis can take as long as one hour. In addition, instruction in the proper use of devices can take 1/2 hour and may be repeated before aids are prescribed. Many agencies provide a loaner program so individuals can borrow aids to try them out. After the vision exam, the individual may be referred to other professionals who work with visually impaired persons, such as mobility instructors.

Can't my regular ophthalmologist or optometrist do this?

Presently, fewer than 5% of all eye doctors specialize in low vision. Although there are some ophthalmologists who specialize in low vision, most low vision specialists are optometrists. Effective low vision rehabilitation requires expertise and technology for the thorough evaluation of visual function as well as full access to available optical and electronic low vision devices. The Indianapollis Eye Care Center offers a comprehensive rehabilitation program (including counseling and instruction in independent living and safe travel skills) which is not offered by ophthalmologists or optometrists.